Learn how to safeguard your cat or dog against potential dangers at home

Protect Your Pet

Protect Your Pet

Whether you’re about to bring home a new dog or cat or you’ve had pets for a while, pet-proofing your house is one of the best ways to protect your four-legged friends. But some seemingly harmless fixtures of your home, like your purse and your laundry, can pose serious risks to your pets. Read on to find out which household items and areas can be dangerous and how to keep your furry family members safe and sound.

Medications

Medications

What’s life-saving to humans can be deadly to dogs, even in small doses. “The number one thing pets are poisoned with is human prescriptions,” says Marty Becker, DVM, pet expert at VetStreet.com. “If you drop a pill in the bathroom or leave medicine on the nightstand, your dog might scarf it up.” And child-proof bottles are no match for an inquisitive dog, says Dr. Becker. But over-the-counter meds can be dangerous, too. For instance, ibuprofen can cause ulcers and kidney failure in dogs, so avoid treating a sick pooch with human meds without your vet’s okay. To further ensure your dog’s safety, Camille DeClementi, DVM, senior toxicologist at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (ASPCA) Poison Control Center, recommends closing the bathroom door when you take medicine. That way, you have time to pick up any dropped pills before a quick canine can get to them. And be sure to store drugs high up in a cupboard or drawer—not on a counter. “A dog could get up there,” says Dr. Becker.